About Madison Parker Until Madison Parker went on a missions trip to Nicaragua her senior year of high school, she hadn’t decided on a career. Madison didn’t work on building houses during the trip, but instead spent the week caring for a bedridden mother who couldn’t afford health care. “When I returned home, I knew I wanted to be a nurse to serve others,” she says. Madison’s mother, a nurse practitioner, played a big role in her decision to study medicine, too. “She has a passion for helping others and she truly tries to make a difference in people’s lives every day,” Madison says. Madison studied at the University of Kentucky for her Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing and at Indiana University South Bend for her master’s, choosing the Family Nurse Practitioner track. Early in her nursing career, she was in the Pediatric ICU. She said the children taught and encouraged her, doing as much for her as she did for them. From her smallest patients to adults, Madison always listens to what each person has to say. She believes there is no “cookie cutter” approach to health care and takes time to connect with individuals. “I hope that patients would learn that I am truly interested in who they are and what they are pursing in health care, and [that]I will do my best to work with them to help them reach their goals,” she said. Madison is following in her mom’s footsteps by working at Beacon. Having worked for large and small health care organizations, she said this feels like home. “I knew I wanted to continue my career here.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  While family, teachers, and friends, have had such an influence on me, my faith is what guides me and has had the biggest influence in my life. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  I worked at Juday Creek golf course and loved being the bride’s assistant for weddings. I would help set up the reception and assist the bridal party. What is your favorite food? Movie?  My favorite food is any and all pasta.  My favorite movie is Paulie. It’s an old movie about a little girl who gets a parrot for her birthday. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  My best subject in school was math and science, and my worst subject was definitely English. I did not like writing papers about subjects I wasn’t very interested in. I found myself procrastinating and writing at the very last minute. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  The first answer that pops in my head is my papaw. He died when I was only 5 years old. Although I remember bits and pieces of him, I have learned so much more through stories from family members.  I am a huge country music fan. I would love to have dinner with Lauren Akins, Thomas Rhett’s wife. I love Lauren’s heart for ministry. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests?  I love to use my Cricut to make all sorts of things. I also enjoy painting and restoring old antique furniture.